The Benefits of Daily Physical Activity
● Reduces the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation throughout the body
● Keeps weight under control
● Improves blood cholesterol levels
● Prevents and manages high blood pressure
● Prevents bone loss
● Boosts energy level
● Helps manage stress
● Releases tension
● Improves the ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep well
● Improves self-image
● Counters anxiety and depression and increases enthusiasm and optimism
● Increases muscle strength, increasing the ability to do other physical activities
● Provides a way to share an activity with family and friends
● Establishes good heart-healthy habits in children and counters the conditions (obesity, high blood pressure, poor cholesterol levels, poor lifestyle habits, etc.) that lead to heart attack and stroke later in life
● In older people, helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging and maintains quality of life and independence longer
Reprinted with Permission
www.americanheart.org | American Heart Association, Inc.